P Balaji new head of Sony Ericsson India

NEW DELHI: Handset maker Sony Ericsson on Tuesday said it had roped in P Balaji from one of its promoter companies to head its operations in India.

Balaji will take over as the managing director of its India operations from July 1, 2011, the cellphone maker said while adding that he would "play an instrumental role in establishing Sony Ericsson's leadership position in the Android market and work closely with operators and distributors in the country".

Currently, Balaji is the Vice-President -- Business Development, Corporate Affairs and Communications, for network gearmaker Ericsson's Indian operations.

Sony Ericsson has a marginal presence in the handset space in India and as per industry estimates has about 1.2% market share. In terms of sales, it occupies the 10 spot in India after Nokia, Samsung, LG, Micromax, Spice, Karbonn among others.

Commenting on the development, Matthew Lang, Head of Region, Asia Pacific, Sony Ericsson said: "Balaji has an excellent experience and understanding of the India telecommunications market. He will play a key role in Sony Ericsson's long-term growth ambitions in the region, by bringing our Android -based Xperia smartphones to the Indian market and further strengthening relationships with local operators, retailers and consumers."